A fallacy in logical argumentation Or An error in reasoning Logical Fallacies A fallacy in logical argumentation Or An error in reasoning

Syllogism – Air-tight logic Major Premise: Irrefutable generalization about the world. (A is true of all B) Minor Premise: A statement that falls under that generalization. (B is true of all C) Conclusion: Statement that follows/results from the generalization (Therefore A is true of all C) All human beings are mortal. Socrates is a human being. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

Syllogistic Logic Syllogism: major premise – minor premise – conclusion Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty King George is a tyrannical ruler King George deserves no loyalty All Olympic runners are fast Jejime is an Olympic Runner Jejime is fast

2 ways that arguments fall apart FALSE STATEMENTS in either CONTENT – concepts and definitions FORM

False Statement in Content Killing bugs is murder. Sally killed a bug. Sally is a murderer. This cannot be logically argued without first proving your terminology – it is a false statement in definition. Fix it by defining murder according to your terms

False Statement in Form All dogs are animals All cats are animals All dogs are cats

Ad Hominem An attack against a person that does not logically connect to the argument being made You can’t trust Mark to help you with your math homework; I heard he cheated on Mary back in the 4th grade! Donald Trump and the art of the Ad Hominem: He called Megyn Kelly a bimbo. He called Hugh Hewett a second rate radio host because Hewett asked him a difficult question on foreign policy. He calls Jeb Bush low energy. He then said Ben Carson makes Jeb Bush look like the energizer bunny. He basically called Rick Perry dumb by saying he puts on glasses so people will think he’s smart.

Faulty Emotional Appeal Manipulating people’s emotions without logical warrants/data to support the claim – Propaganda

Faulty Appeal to Authority Person supporting the concept is not a legitimate authority on the subject. “Children shouldn’t receive vaccinations because Jenny McCarthy believes it is harmful to their health.” When Honey Boo Boo endorsed Obama in 2012.

False Dilemma Considered “Either/Or” faulty thinking I need to either earn a 5 on the AP Language exam, or I will be a failure in life.

Post Hoc A occurs before B, so A CAUSED B. Superstitions are based on Post Hoc Someone said Macbeth on stage before the show; that is why the lead ended up forgetting all her lines.

Straw Man Ignoring an actual position - instead distorts or exaggerates what was really said. “We reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. ” The opposition would argue that no one is proposing eliminating all programs associated with helping the elderly or education of our youth. It is not an “either/or” situation. He is, essentially, distorting the claims of the opposition.

Two Wrongs “Two wrongs” make a right faulty logic… I accidentally took Paul’s favorite pen, but I decide to keep it because Paul would never give me my pen back.

Bandwagon The “everyone is doing it”, so “you should too!” faulty logic You have to sneak out and join us at the party, everyone in Woebel’s class is doing it!

Unqualified Generalization A generalization that does not include a qualifier to make it reasonable. Milk is good for you! (faulty) Milk is usually good for you. (better) Milk can be bad for someone who is lactose intolerant.

Poisoning the Well Attacking the opponent before giving him/her a chance to present his/her argument. My opponent is a LIAR and a CHEAT! Sanders or Clinton claiming that Trump cannot understand your problems because he is a billionaire is an example of poisoning the well. Technically, this doesn’t give the other candidate a chance to provide his stance on the issues.

“LOVE is a FALLACY!”